Centenary drive! Gozo celebrates 100 years of buses with a vintage tour across the island
This year marks a century since the introduction of motorbuses in Gozo, and the National Archives of Malta, together with the Malta Bus Archive, is gearing up to celebrate the occasion in style.
The very first motorbuses made their debut on the island back in 1925, transforming how people moved around Gozo and connecting villages in ways that were once unimaginable. Now, 100 years later, it's time to pay tribute to that legacy.
To mark this milestone, four classic buses that once operated in Gozo will be taking to the roads again this weekend, on the 17th and 18th of May, visiting various villages across the island. Expect a healthy dose of nostalgia as these beautifully preserved buses bring the past to life.
Richard Stedall, from the Malta Bus Archive within the National Archives of Malta, explained the significance of this anniversary and the initiative to bring these iconic vehicles back into the spotlight.
The commemorative event will give locals and visitors alike the chance to see the vintage buses up close, and perhaps even catch a ride through Gozo’s scenic villages – a rare treat for transport enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone with a soft spot for classic Maltese charm.
Do you remember the colourfold-style buses?